Pursuit by Hornell police yields charges, crack cocaine

Monday

An early morning vehicle pursuit Saturday in Hornell left two people in custody and officers still looking for the driver.

An early morning vehicle pursuit Saturday in Hornell left two people in custody and officers still looking for the driver.

Valerie M. Mikko, 21, of Rochester and Thomas P. Gallagher, 19, of Bath, were both charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child under the age of 17. Mikko’s 1-year-old and 9-month old sons were in the vehicle during the chase.

At approximately 4:30 a.m. Saturday, Hornell police Sgt. Chad Mullen noticed a vehicle speeding and running stop signs. The vehicle pulled over on Vincent Street, but then took off after Mullen turned on his beacons.

The vehicles turned left on Ravine Street and then took another left on Grand Street before the suspect’s vehicle pulled over at the corner of Spruce Street and Grand Street. The driver exited the vehicle and fled the scene. Mullen apprehended Mikko and Gallagher at the vehicle.

As he was fleeing, the driver dropped two baggies of crack cocaine, which police recovered. A digital scale was also found in a diaper bag in the vehicle. Mullen said the baggies were intended for sale.

Police were unable to locate the driver after he fled the scene. Mullen said they believe the driver is currently in the Bath or Rochester areas.

No more charges are anticipated for Mikko or Gallagher.

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